YOUng AgRifood European INnovators (YOUAREIN)
The food production sector is a crucial component of the European economy. However, its economic and environmental sustainability is becoming an increasingly central issue in international debates. Whilst maintaining its operation despite recurring vulnerabilities in the food supply chains, the sector also has an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and negative environmental impacts. To drive the needed changes for better sustainability and resilience, the development of innovative skills and technologies in the food industry is critical. Entrepreneurs can be leading drivers of innovation in the food sector and if sufficiently supported and educated, can successfully develop solutions to tackle the sector's key challenges. The YOUAREIN project recognizes this opportunity and equips a new generation of food entrepreneurs with the business skills needed to launch enterprises that are not only successful but also committed to environmental responsibility.
Between 2022 and 2025, the YOUAREIN project fostered cooperation between universities and the food manufacturing sector to develop innovative training activities and teaching materials, which can now be replicated in European universities. Bringing together experts from higher education and the food industry together with European students, YOUAREIN contributed to expanding the availability of practical educational materials that teach entrepreneurial skills and are linked directly to the realities of the market.
Throughout the YOUAREIN project and beyond, students and young entrepreneurs have access to an extensive online course with information on various sustainable food production techniques and business models, providing them with the necessary skills to start their own agri-food businesses. The YOUAREIN project was funded by the European Commission through the Erasmus+ programme and coordinated by the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (Szkoła Główna Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego). By integrating entrepreneurship training into the higher education curriculum, the YOUAREIN project approach helps to bridge gaps in teachers’ knowledge and the lack of teaching tools that deal with aspects related to business creation.
The free YOUAREIN e-learning course for young entrepreneurs in the agri-food sector includes modules on the ideation process, prototyping, business plan creation, and the scale-up phase. The course is available upon free registration via https://www.youarein.eu/conten....
Teachers, professors and educators interested in replicating the YOUAREIN Business Game experience with their students can download the official guidelines document, including a detailed step-by-step process and example documents, via https://www.youarein.eu/youare...
YOUAREIN is a project funded by the European Commission through the Erasmus+ program. It is coordinated by the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (Szkola Glowna Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego).
Partners of the YOUAREIN project presented the proposal for the e-learning platform syllabus at the 7th International ISEKI-Food Conference, organised by the ISEKI-Food Association (European Association for Integrating Food Science and Engineering Knowledge Into the Food Chain). The theme of the conference was "Next-Generation of Food Research, Education and Industry".
EUFIC played a significant role in shaping the YOUAREIN project, which successfully concluded in August 2025.
As part of the consortium, EUFIC contributed to the development of the project’s online training course by co-creating its syllabus and content. A particular highlight of EUFIC’s work was the design and implementation of an interactive business game - a hands-on learning experience that helped participants explore sustainable entrepreneurship and business creation in the agri-food sector.
Building on its strong European network, EUFIC engaged entrepreneurs and managers from the agri-food industry to act as mentors and tutors during the business game, ensuring participants benefited from real-world insights and expertise.
Throughout the project, EUFIC collaborated closely with all YOUAREIN partners to produce engaging communication materials, promote the project’s results, and raise awareness among key target groups through its website and social media channels.
For further information, visit https://www.youarein.eu/
- Stephan Kampshoff, Collaborative Projects – Manager (stephan.kampshoff@eufic.org)
- Darya Silchenko, Collaborative Projects – Junior Manager (darya.silchenko@eufic.org)
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